Meta, the tech giant behind the popular Ray-Ban smart glasses, is allegedly planning to release a new line of Oakley-branded smart glasses later this year. According to a Bloomberg report, the Oakley-branded glasses, internally referred to as "Supernova 2", would be designed specifically for cyclists and outdoor athletes.

The Supernova 2 glasses would be based on Oakley's Sphaera glasses and feature a centered camera, a departure from the side-mounted cameras found on the current Ray-Ban Meta glasses. This design change is likely intended to provide a more streamlined and aerodynamic profile, making the glasses more appealing to athletes who require a high level of performance and comfort.

Oakley, a subsidiary of eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica, is a popular brand among professional athletes, known for its stylish and high-quality eyewear. By partnering with Oakley, Meta is likely looking to tap into this existing market and provide athletes with a smart glasses solution that meets their specific needs. The Supernova 2 glasses would ostensibly have similar features to the current Ray-Ban Meta glasses, but with added features such as polarized lenses for better visibility, which would be particularly useful for athletes.

The move to expand Meta's tech to other brands under EssilorLuxottica's umbrella is a savvy one, allowing the company to diversify its product offerings and appeal to a broader range of consumers. While the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are well-suited for discreet, everyday wear, they may not be the best fit for athletes who require more specialized features. The Oakley-branded glasses would provide a more tailored solution for this demographic.

However, for the Supernova 2 glasses to be successful, Meta and Oakley will need to address several key factors, including weight, sweat resistance, and battery life. Athletes require gear that can keep up with their active lifestyles, and any smart glasses designed for this market will need to meet these high standards.

In addition to the Oakley-branded glasses, the report also notes that Meta plans to launch a higher-end version of its current Ray-Ban glasses. This new model would include a display capable of delivering notifications, running simple apps, and previewing photos, making it a more feature-rich option for consumers.

The development of these new smart glasses is a significant step forward for Meta, as the company continues to expand its presence in the wearables market. With its partnership with Oakley, Meta is poised to make a significant impact in the athletic and outdoor communities, providing athletes with a cutting-edge smart glasses solution that meets their unique needs.